UNCLASSIFIED
NOTE: GIST is Hong Kong Government summary of local press
ANGLO HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
1.
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Approval with certain reservations. Some MPs wanted further reassurances about British consular services for Hong Kong BDTC passport holders after 1997. Others regretted progress towards
democratisation far too slow.
(Sir Peter Blaker (group chairman), reported in GIST 15 November).
ROBERT ADLEY (Conservative)
1. Strong support for agreement. Praise for work of negotiators. (Letter to Mr Luce 28 September).
2. Need to promote trade with China following agreement. (Letter to Prime Minister 26 September).
3. CBI could play important role in promoting Sino-British trade. (Letter to Prime Minister 23 October)
GORDON BAGIER (Labour)
1. As agreement can not be amended, Assessment Office is waste of money. Assessment Office's report would however be reference point in MPs' debate. MPs could urge reopening of negotiations if 90% of Hong Kong people object to agreement. Little Britain could do if China reneged on agreement. Agreement is a good one in
circumstances.
(Hong Kong telegram 3246 and GIST 18 October).
2. Prime Minister to blame for Hong Kong's "take it or leave it" draft agreement. A longer consultation period would have been preferable.
(Hong Kong press conference: Additional Roundup 18 October)
ROBERT BANKS (Conservative)
1.
Brilliant piece of diplomacy. Could herald new era of close relationship and understanding with China.
(Questions and answers following Secretary of State's statement 25 October).
STUART BELL (Labour)
1. Chinese Government intends expanding Hong Kong's prosperity northwards to South China, to benefit of people of Hong Kong and